private foster care

The following recommendations are based on the knowledge review conducted by Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) on the effectiveness of childminding registration and its implications for private fostering. The review is part of a wider SCIE work programme that has been commissioned by the Department of Health (DH), England and National Assembly for Wales (NAW) to examine effective services for children and families. Position paper published in January 2003.

Review conducted by the University of York, in partnership with The Fostering Network, and funded by The Nuffield Foundation. It draws together the research evidence that exists both on allegations of abuse and confirmed maltreatment and considers the implications of this rather limited body of evidence.

The Department of Health (DH) asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to produce joint guidance on improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people. The guidance is for all those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people.

This research into private fostering was commissioned by the DCSF and carried out by a team from the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). The purpose of the research was to inform the DCSF Advisory Group on Private Fostering in making its recommendations to Ministers on increasing notifications of private fostering arrangements.

This publication is intended for everyone who is concerned with looked after children and young people and their families. This includes: elected members, local authority staff, staff in voluntary organisations, private providers, foster carers, health professionals and those involved in developing and improving children’s services.

Document raising awareness of the problem of local councils frequently not being notified of private fostering arrangements and making clear the responsibilities of various interested parties, e.g. professionals, local councils, in this area.

Video explaining the rules and regulations relating to private fostering in England and Wales and giving guidance for officials such as school and health service workers on how to identify a private fostering arrangement.

Scottish Government document providing guidance to all professionals and volunteers working or in contact with children suspected of being trafficked and intended to supplement local interagency child protection procedures.